Identifying and implementing current practices in supporting workers with depression

Reasons for the study

The burden associated with managing the effects of depression in the workplace is extensive. Workers with depression lose significantly more health-related productive time, have higher rates of absenteeism and short-term disability, and experience higher rates of job turnover than those without depression. Since the late 2000s, the Institute for Work & Health has conducted a series of systematic reviews on the effectiveness of intervention approaches to manage workers’ depression, support return to work, and reduce associated productivity losses.

This project drew upon this research evidence—and integrated it with both practitioner expertise and worker and employer preferences—to help identify current practices in managing and implementing depression-related support programs in the workplace.

Objectives of the study

  • To combine findings from the peer-reviewed and grey literature with data from an online survey, focus groups, and interviews with employers and employees
  • To use this evidence to create a guide for workplaces outlining practices for supporting employees experiencing depression

Related research summaries

Related scientific publications

IWH Speaker Series presentations

Project status

Completed 2017

Research team

  • Dwayne Van Eerd, Institute for Work & Health (PI)
  • Kim Cullen, Institute for Work & Health (PI)
  • Siobhan Cardoso, Institute for Work & Health
  • Emma Irvin, Institute for Work & Health
  • Monique Gignac, Institute for Work & Health
  • Morgane Le Pouésard, Institute for Work & Health
  • Quenby Mahood, Institute for Work & Health
  • Anita Dubey, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
  • Judy Geary, National Institute of Disability Management and Research

Collaborators and partners

  • Alberta Workers’ Health Centre
  • B.C. Federation of Labour
  • Mood Disorders Association of B.C.
  • Unifor

Funded by

WorkSafeBC